BLOG

Popular Questions about Botox!

Have you ever looked at someone and thought to yourself, “How do they manage to look so well-rested?” Or found yourself envious of someone looking years younger than they really are? Maybe they have just been blessed by good genes—or could it be that they are getting a little help? People are choosing Botox to turn back—or even stop—the clock when it comes to the appearance of their face.

Botox has become a popular treatment amongst women and men across North America. Whether it is to reduce wrinkles that are already there, or just to prevent them from forming altogether, Botox remains to be the most popular cosmetic treatment and is a tried-and-true treatment of the beauty industry for years! Here are some common questions answered about Botox.

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is the brand name for Botulinum toxin type A (other brand names include Dysport and Xeomin). Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that blocks the neurotransmitters from sending signals from the muscle to the nerve ending. In other words, it causes temporary paralysis to the muscle. When the muscle is paralyzed, it can’t contract and cause the wrinkle. While it is a neurotoxin, it is perfectly safe when used in Botox, and there is no risk of contracting botulism. It is a medical grade drug that is approved for cosmetic use by Health Canada and the FDA.

The injections themselves only take a few minutes. To see the full results, it can take from 7-14 days to completely take effect. While many people are apprehensive about looking too “frozen”, Botox should look completely natural when done by an experienced professional and it can even be used gradually over a few appointments to ensure that it doesn’t look overdone.

Where can Botox be used?

The most common areas that are injected are the areas of the face where muscle activity influences facial features. These include:

Frown lines

Crow’s feet, and other wrinkles around the eyes

Forehead creases

Corners of the mouth

A “cobblestoned” appearance to the chin

The true beauty of Botox is that is has so many uses, with even more being researched. While here we are focusing on beauty for cosmetic use, the injection can also be used to treat a variety of medical conditions related to overactive muscles and muscle spasms. Some of the most popular medical uses for chronic migraine treatment and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Botox injections and dermal fillers are entirely different. Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid and are injected into your skin to bind to water molecules, thus creating more volume in the skin and creating a plumping effect. This, in turn, fills creases and wrinkles in.

On the other hand, Botox is injected directly into the muscle that creates the wrinkle. This paralyzes the muscle, which causes the wrinkle to relax. Both are considered safe when administered by a trained medical professional. In fact, some doctors argue that Botox and fillers look best and even last longer when they are used together in a combination treatment, popular called a mini face lift!

How long does Botox last?

Once injected, you can expect Botox to last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Studies have shown that Botox actually increases skin’s collagen and elastin in the area that the Botox was injected. This may be why regular users of Botox are able to see the same effects with lower dosages over time and can even go longer in between injections!

Does Botox have any side effects?

The side effects of Botox are minimal. People may experience some bruising and discomfort in the area of the injection. It is recommended not to take aspirin or any blood-thinning medications leading up to your appointment, as this will increase the risk of bruising. In very rare cases (less than 1%), people can experience drooping eyelids or eyebrows, however this is only temporary. Botox is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a neurological disease.

Is Botox right for me?

Botox is most effective when used to reduce wrinkles that form as a result of muscle movement from facial expressions—think of the wrinkles created when you smile or frown. As we age, these lines become deeper and more apparent, from the excessive use of the muscles, but also as we lose volume and elasticity in our skin. Injecting Botox works for people of any age. If you’re older, it will relax these wrinkles overall to take years off of your appearance. If you are younger, freezing these muscles earlier on will prevent the wrinkles from forming or deepening further. Overall, Botox will make your face look softer, more rested, and pleasant! To find out if these injections are suitable for you, contact Canada MedLaser for a FREE consultation on Botox Toronto!